Health officials are treating five people in The Colony after they were exposed to rabies from a pet dog that tested positive for the virus on Friday.
According to a press release from the city, the dog bit three people, including a child. The animal bites were not initially reported to The Colony Animal Services, according to the release.
The dog bit the child on July 13, and on July 15 and Wednesday, the dog bit two adults in the household.
On Thursday, the dog became ill and was taken to a veterinarian, which reported the bites to The Colony Animal Services and submitted the animal for a rabies test.
The Colony Animal Services worked in conjunction with the Department of State Health Services to notify the known victims and to possibly identify other potential victims, directing them to treatment facilities
According to The Colony Animal Services, the dog was likely exposed to rabies through contact with feral cats, according to the release.
In an effort to reduce the likelihood of repeated positive rabies cases, The Colony Animal Services will increase patrols for stray animals.
A low-cost vaccination clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 24 at the shelter, 4720 E. Lake Highlands Drive. Rabies vaccinations will be available for only $5. For more information, call the shelter at 972-370-9250.
— Staff report
